Our market development work is important to achieving our statutory objective to promote competition in, reliable supply by and the efficient operation of the electricity industry for the long-term benefit of consumers.

If an anomalous event or outcome occurs in the market or the broader electricity sector, we investigate it to determine the causes and whether something can or should be done to prevent such an event or outcome from occurring again.

What do I need to know about solar panels?

Solar panels are becoming a popular way for people to generate their own electricity.

My Home

My Home

Solar panels are becoming a popular way for people to generate their own electricity.

Retail Market

Retailers

Retailers

You may be able to sell any extra electricity you generate to a retailer. Each retailer sets its own prices. The Authority does not regulate prices or require retailers to buy distributed generation from customers.

You need to advise your retailer that you are installing distributed generation as your price plan may change and your meter may need to be replaced.

Distribution

Distribution

To connect distributed generation you'll need to have an approved application with your local distribution network. If your distributor does not approve your application you cannot install distributed generation that is connected to your premise wiring, Part 6 of the Code outlines your rights and obligations.

You need to advise your distributor when installation is complete and provide the required completion advice and inspection results to your distributor.

Transmission

Wholesale market

Generation

Close

More New Zealanders are choosing to put solar panels on their homes as a way to generate their own electricity. We have collated some key information to help consumers be better prepared for conversations. Please note the information on this page does not constitute advice or guidance from the Electricity Authority—please do your own research.

Where do I start?

If you want to install solar panels, you should weigh up the potential costs against the potential savings.

You could also get quotes from more than one solar panel provider, and ask solar panel providers to confirm the warranty period, the expected lifetime of parts, and any maintenance costs.

What do my retailer and lines company do?

If you install solar panels but you remain connected to the grid, you will still have a relationship with your retailer and lines company.

You may be able to either gift or sell any excess electricity to your retailer (it must be the same retailer that you buy electricity from; it can’t be two different retailers). Each retailer sets its own ‘buy-back’ prices. If you want to sell excess electricity, you’ll need to have an agreement with your retailer.

So, it can be helpful to:

ask your retailer to provide your electricity usage data, so you can understand how much electricity your household uses (before and after you install solar panels)

use the Powerswitch website to see which retailers operate in your area, so you can then contact each retailer to compare buy-back rates

ask your retailer to confirm if your electricity meter can measure (a) electricity imported from the solar panels to your property and (b) electricity exported from the solar panels to the local network

ask your lines company or an electrician to tell you how many phases your house has, and also ask the solar panel provider to tell you how many phases the solar panels have.

What does the Authority do?

We are neutral when it comes to different sources of electricity generation. For example, we don’t promote hydro or solar over another form of electricity generation. Likewise, we don’t favour one type of technology, such as solar panels or batteries, over another.

We work to reduce operational costs and barriers to new technologies and business models entering the market. We are working on:

ensuring lines companies have efficient systems for pricing their goods and services

ensuring consumers benefit from innovation and new technology by identifying any unnecessary barriers which may be standing in the way.

We promote competition so that electricity prices are reasonable. We don’t set electricity prices or buy-back rates.

We’re responsible for ensuring that participants follow the rules set out in the Code. Part 6 of the Code includes information about the rights and responsibilities for owners of small-scale generation (such as solar panels).

Who can help me if I have a complaint?

If there is a problem with your solar panels, you should firstly pursue a complaint through the solar panel provider’s complaints process. But if your complaint is not resolved, you can also contact the Commerce Commission or Citizens Advice Bureau to get advice on your rights as a consumer.

If your complaint relates to your retailer or distributor, you should firstly pursue a complaint through the company’s complaints process. If your complaint is not resolved, you can contact Utilities Disputes Limited, a free and independent dispute resolution service.